Sefolosha contributing on both ends of court
March 5th, 2009 by Chris Silva | Posted in News
CHRIS SILVA | THUNDER.NBA.COM | MARCH 5, 2009
When the Thunder acquired Thabo Sefolosha from the Chicago Bulls at the Feb. 19 trade deadline, the organization had a good idea of the type of player it was getting:
A defensive-minded swingman who has the ability to defend multiple positions; a 24 year-old with room to improve and a willingness to do so; a high character person who can blend in smoothly in new surroundings.
Sefolosha has been with the Thunder for six games. In that span, he’s garnered kudos for his defensive work against the likes of Kobe Bryant, Josh Howard, Rudy Gay and, most recently, Antawn Jamison.
Head coach Scott Brooks said he’s still learning what Sefolosha brings to the table offensively. There have been positive results so far.
Sefolosha is averaging 10.7 points on 44.1% shooting with the Thunder. He’s scored 15 points in three straight games, all Thunder wins in the absence of Kevin Durant.
Sefolosha might have put together his best all-around performance in Wednesday’s win over Washington, when he registered 15 points on 7-for-14 shooting, grabbed eight rebounds, dished four assists, made three steals and blocked three shots.
Sefolosha scored nine of his 15 points in the third quarter. Seven of those points came in just over minute midway through the quarter. His biggest bucket came with 1:47 left in the game, when Russell Westbrook found him for a fast break reverse lay-up to give OKC an 84-83 lead.
“He has a knack for the ball,” Brooks said. “He’s one of our better cutters. He has great hands. And he’s a long, athletic player. We’re taking advantage of his offense, no doubt. But he has a good rhythm on both ends of the court.”
With Westbrook as the primary ball handler, Sefolosha has found great success in attacking from the weak side by slashing hard to the basket. With both Westbrook and Sefolosha attacking the basket on a regular basis, the Thunder has relied less on jump shots. Instead, it’s taking the higher percentage shot.
Without many traditional post players to get the ball inside to, the Thunder has to find other ways to work the ball in the paint. Slashers like Westbrook and Sefolosha have helped. Westbrook does it well off the dribble. Sefolosha does it more without the ball.
“A lot of times (Sefolosha) would slash while the ball’s in the post,” forward Nick Collison said. “I remember him getting quite a bit of dives. Like I said, if he sees an opportunity to dive he does it. It makes for more movement, which makes the defense break down, which opens up other things for other guys, too. So it’s good to have a guy like that.”
Added Sefolosha, “I’m trying to help them in any way I can.”
_________________
on est sur l'herbe de les jeunes blancs